Superbowl XLV Preview

The venue for Superbowl XLV has been decided. On February 6th, 2011, The brand new Dallas Cowboys stadium will host Superbowl XLV with the Pittsburgh Steelers playing the Green Bay Packers.

 Aaron Rodgers dives for the endzone on a boot leg

The Green Bay packers have overcome a plethora of injuries, including a season-ending injury to running back Ryan Grant, two concussions to Aaron Rodgers, and a hamstring injury on tight end Jermichael Finley. Led by elite quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers will travel to their first Superbowl since the 1998 loss to the John Elway-led Denver Broncos. Aiding Rodgers are Pro Bowl receiver Greg Jennings and veteran slot receiver Donald Driver. In addition to the receiving core, James Starks, a rookie running back, has performed impressively in the past few weeks and has given the Packers their much needed run game— one they haven't had for the majority of the season. On defense, Clay Matthews is becoming one of the most feared pass rushers on the league, and the cornerbacks, including Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, and Sam Shields have played extremely well in the postseason thus far. In this game, the Packers will have to keep a commitment to a balanced offense by running the ball effectively, and will have to minimize turnovers against an aggressive Steelers defense. They can't let Ben Roethlisberger escape the pocket and extend the play to let Mike Wallace get open downfield.

Mendenhall powers through Bart Scott

The Steelers make their 8th Superbowl appearance in franchise history, which, in recent years, has become a familiar sight. Two-time Superbowl winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is one of the toughest quarterbacks in the league and is definitely experienced in the big games. He'll be targeting speedy receiver Mike Wallace, tough receiver Hines Ward, and tight end Heath Miller. In the backfield he has a great, young, running back Rashard Mendenhall coming off of a 121-yard rushing game against the physical, Rex Ryan Jets defense. Pittsburgh's always been known for having one of the toughest, most physical defenses in the league, and for good reason. James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley are one of the best outside linebacker tandems in the league. They also have Troy Polamalu, who's one of the best safeties in the league and a big-time impact player for the Steelers defense.  The Steelers will have to pass protect Roethlisberger better than they have this season, especially with Clay Matthews and the aggressive Packers pass rush. They also have to keep the ball out of red hot quarterback Aaron Rodgers' hands as long as they can, and then make big plays on the ground with Rashard Mendenhall.


Superbowl XLV will air on Fox on Sunday, February 6th, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. EST and 3:30 p.m. PST

True Grit - See it!

True Grit

True Grit, a second film adaptation of a 1968 novel by Charles Portis (the first film adaptation was the 1969 Western starring John Wayne), certainly doesn't disappoint. Joel and Ethan Coen hit home with this box office success, which portrays the simple yet brutally rough life of the Old West. This story takes place in a small Arkansas town and follows the life of an intelligent, cunning 14-year old girl named Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld). Prior to when the story begins, Mattie Ross's narration explains the circumstances that led to her predicament. The main protagonist, Mattie Ross, hires a gritty and unrefined U.S. marshall, Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), to hunt down and arrest her father's killer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). They soon learn that Tom Chaney was last seen fleeing into hostile Choctaw Indian territory. Before they depart, Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who had been pursuing Chaney for several months for a murder in Texas, also joins them. The group of three then departs into the Choctaw territory, in search of the villainous Tom Chaney.
        Although this was a great movie, I thought it could have had a better ending. It's a very thought-provoking, fast-paced movie (110 minutes), but the trite ending felt rushed and empty.But aside from this one diappointment, I emphatically enjoyed this film. It topped the weekend box-office, grossing $15 million over Little Fockers and Season of the Witch. This movie was also critically acclaimed, receiving a 95% rating on the movie review site Rotten Tomatoes. This is a must-see movie, and I definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoys a well-written Western with great acting on all accounts.